Legislation Regarding Password Protection

How would you feel if your employer demanded your login and password information for your social media accounts?

It's commonly known that employers often search potential employees and make judgements based on social media profiles.  Some employers even continue this monitoring once an employee is hired.  However, in recent months, there have been several stories in the news of employers asking potential employees for their usernames and passwords for social networking sites.  Even if the potential employee might have taken precautions to "lock down" his or her profile by marking certain content as private, these employers would be able to see it all, including private messages.

Both Maryland and the US Government have introduced bills to possibly limit these practices.  You can read about them here:

Password Protection Act of 2012
Maryland House Bill 964

What do you think?  What valid reasons might employers have for requesting the information?  What would you do if asked for this information from your (potential) employer?

Howard Community College's Social Media FPLC - Welcome!

My colleagues and I at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD, are fortunate to work in an academic setting that provides numerous opportunities for professional development.  One of the most valuable of these are our Faculty/Professional Learning Communities, or FPLCs.  Faculty and staff not only have the opportunity to participate in learning communities that cover a diversity of interests, but also to create and build communities around topics that they would like to explore.

This blog will follow the explorations of the Social Media FPLC, as we examine the role that various forms of social media play in the lives of our students, and how faculty and staff can use it to connect with our students.  As we share our findings and thoughts, we welcome discussion not just from our group or Howard Community College, but from faculty, staff, and students everywhere!